Jas woke up the next morning feeling like she was in heaven. She absorbed feelings of security from Aiden's strong arms and solid legs stretched lazily over her body. The gentle puffs of his peaceful breathing against the back of her neck caused her to tingle. His affection was ripping down barriers she'd built around her heart. She felt a tug against her waist pulling her closer in the spoon of him. That made her smile. She thought of many mornings that she'd waken up in Thailand feeling just like this – happy. Her mind drifted back to the morning that he'd proposed. Heat coursed through her as she remembered how it happened.

He must have placed the ring under the pillow the night before. Even now her mind could hear screams of pleasure as his thrusts sent her beyond sanity, while she straddled him. He waited until the time that she was most vulnerable, when her body was exploding with everything that was good and precious, that she felt the cool metal being slid on her finger.

She remembered as her eyes caught sight of the diamond ring, while her body was being consumed. Nothing could have felt better. Her entire being had been swept up in a vortex of passion and love so deep, that as he finally got strength to breathe - two words, marry me; Jas went over the edge her body disintegrating with climax - yes, I will, yes!

As she lay wrapped up in his arms thinking of that beautiful moment her body was pitched with fever. Yet, her pleasure was laced with dread. The wedding never happened because he sent her back to Ellijay. Her emotions were churning a storm. Oh, God, Aiden can I risk myself again? She knew she needed to get out of that bed. Jas was way too vulnerable to be near him right now, even though he was sleep. She didn't trust herself to leave him alone. After what he said to her last night, she knew that a marriage proposal was not a farfetched idea.

As suddenly as that thought came, she shut it down. I've got to take care of Nanna. I can't possibly let this happen again. Her heart swung through surges of twisting, complications their relationship had always held. A tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away, then slowly eased out of bed. She tipped across the room hoping not to wake him, grabbed her robe and then left the room.

***

As she padded down the stairs, the thick aroma of bacon and eggs hung in the air. She smiled as she saw Anna cooking breakfast. Jas had only gotten to know Anna and Ted for a few days but they felt like family she'd known forever. She walked over to the island and sat on one of the stools.

"It smells delicious. Thank you for fixing breakfast."

"You're welcome, dear." The petite woman turned and smiled. She had such a gentle, motherly look. Her bright blue eyes were a striking contrast against her short silver hair. She tipped her glasses up on her nose. "How many slices of bacon?"

"One."

"Oh, my dear, I've cooked a lot of food."

"All right, two then."

She had indeed cooked a lot. Jas watched as Anna piled three slices of French Toast, hash browns, a heaping of scrambled eggs and bacon onto her plate. She slid it across the island, along with a fork. "Would you like honey or syrup."

"Honey."

Anna retrieved honey from the pantry and gave it to Jas.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Jas said, as her arms lifted above her head, stretching.

"Yes, it is."

As her eyes trailed across the spectacular view outside the window, she noted that there were seven cars parked in Aiden's driveway. Jas had a quizzical look on her face. "Isn't that Aiden's driveway."

"Yes."

"Are there more people here than just us?" Then Jas looked over at the stove and realized that Anna had certainly cooked for more than two people.

"That's part of Aiden's top staff. They're in his office downstairs."

Jas eyes widened. "What's going on?"

"I thought he might have mentioned it to you. He told the staff to be here this morning by 8:30 and that he'd meet with them as soon as possible."

"They drove 3 hours to get here. Does he do this often?"

"He's never done this before. Aiden is rarely even here."

He did all this so that he could stay here with me? This certainly was not the Aiden that she knew. He's putting me first? Her heart was pounding at the thought. Jas's eyes swept across the room and it slowly dawned on her that everything about this home had been about her – the colors, the picture on the wall, the lovely Country French décor of the bedroom and even the setting was just like her beloved Ellijay. He really built this house for me three years ago. She shook thinking about the implications of that. Followed by her own words that she'd spoken just last night. It was as if her body knew she belonged there. I could stay here with you forever. She felt so confused.

"Jasmine, all I know is that he asked me to fix them breakfast and said that the meeting was very important."

Aiden laid in his bed with the most contented look on his face. He stared up looking at the high ceiling which gave him a sense of peace and space. His bedroom was always a haven for him, and even more so with Jas in his bed. A smile lifted on one side of his lips as his mind echoed – I could be here with you forever. He dared not let her know that he'd heard those words. Yet, it was a glimpse of her heart that he was glad he'd seen. He dragged himself from his comfortable bed, showered and shaved. He had a staff to meet with and a plan that would help him to bring his beloved one step closer to the desire she'd already spoken from her heart.

***

Aiden stood at the top of the stairs watching Jas and Anna talking in the kitchen. This is just like I always imagined it would be. His queen of hearts existing in a space that was uniquely hers. No other woman had ever been in this home, nor ever would unless it was Jas. He was willing to patiently wait as long as it would take to get her there.

His eyes trailed from the top of her gorgeous hair, down the long white bathrobe she was wearing. He noticed her bare feet and ruby tipped toenails. So, this is what mornings would be like, waking up to a site prettier than a Picasso. It stirred his heart. The black void in his life was now filled by a rainbow. His heart raced as he glanced up and her brown eyes fell upon him. She smiled, he was electrified.

How can anyone do this to me in a glance? Heat rushed to the soles of his feet.

"Good morning, Aiden. Did you sleep well?"

How could he not have slept well, after what had put him to sleep? Feelings of Jas wrapping around him like silk threads, warmed his body with endless peace and comfort. They'd been intimate all night long – touching, caressing and consoling each other, no sex. It was beautiful. His lips still felt bruised by her sensual kisses that had left him weak as leaves swaying against autumns wind. He wished they'd known about intimacy before.

"Better than ever," he said making his way down the stairs. When he reached Jas, he kissed the top of her forehead. "Good morning, Anna."

"Morning. The staff is all downstairs and I'm about to take breakfast to them."

"Good, and where's Ted."

"He said it was time to take your car in for servicing. He'll be back in a while."

Aiden nodded then turned his attention to Jas. He kissed her like Anna wasn't standing there. She chuckled and then took the breakfast tray downstairs. Aiden hand found the opening in Jas's robe, leisurely trailing his hand across soft flesh, now exposed. Fiery tremors saturated his body. He slowly trailed his lips to her neck, spotted with passion marks he'd left the night before. The sight aroused him, he decided to leave another. Her breath hitched as he claimed her shoulder.

Aiden heard Jas's low moan that followed. He could feel the acceleration of her breaths upon the side of his face. They were becoming unhinged together. He so wished he could carry her back to bed.

"Aiden," she whispered. He said nothing, just continued exploring his treasure. "I'm keeping you from your work. Your staff is waiting."

He pulled himself away and gazed upon the brightness that was filling his soul with happiness. "Didn't I tell you already, you are my work, babe." He smiled seeing curiosity fill her features. He trailed his finger down the side of her face. "This is all for you."

"What do you mean, Aiden?"

"It means that I'll do anything for you. Now, go put some clothes on. I want you to meet my staff."

Anything for me? Turmoil like a crushing weight overwhelmed Jas. She couldn't conceive being more important than his business and fight with his parents. She knew those things drove him and was always willing to accept that. Always believing that I some point he'd allow her to help him deal with his demons. What happened to that person? "But..."

He placed his finger on her lips. "No questions, just go. I'll be waiting right here for you."

***

"I'm sorry ma'am but for privacy purposes I cannot give out any information on Mr. Ross," said the corporate receptionist at Ross Enterprises headquarters in New York. "I can only tell you that he is not here."

"But surely you can at least tell me if he will be returning sometime today?"

The receptionist was beginning to feel sorry for the frantic woman that had been badgering her for the last ten minutes about the whereabouts of Aiden. She'd phrased the question what seemed to be a hundred different ways to no avail.

"The most that I can do is to leave a message for him. Would you like me to leave a message?"

Deanna wasn't expecting that question. Should she leave him a message? She stood tapping her foot, thinking. After an extended period of silence the receptionist spoke again.

"Ma'am, would you like me to leave a message?"

"No, I'd rather not. I'll come back tomorrow." Deanna adjusted her black Michael Kors handbag across her shoulder, heading for the office door. Before she left she turned back to the receptionist. "Could you at least answer one question for me?"

"I will try."

"Is Mr. Ross well? I mean does he seem to be doing okay?"

The receptionist tilted her head at the odd question. Perhaps there was no harm in answering that one. She began to fondly think of the person that the staff had come to name Mr. Snap, Snap. Aiden Ross was the type of boss that wanted everything done yesterday. Everything was urgent and anything not done to perfection was inexcusable. He drove them all crazy, but they loved his generosity and were fiercely loyal to him. He freely gave them bonuses and found ways to help all that could put up with him rise to the top of his corporation.

"Oh, he's well all right," she grinned.

Deanna sighed. Maybe this is it. Maybe I shouldn't interfere with his life if he's okay. Knowing that he is alive should be enough. Those thoughts had her heart bleeding. She couldn't possibly mean them. "I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but I've come a long way to see him. Is he happy?"

That question pierced the receptionist heart. Who was this woman? She stared at Deanna who appeared that she didn't want to be recognized. She was wearing a black suit; her hair was tucked up under a black hat and she was wearing big shades. An image of Breakfast at Tiffany's came to her mind. Something about the longing in the woman's voice made her want to connect.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee?"

"Yes, I'd like that."

The receptionist buzzed someone in another office. "Hailey, I need to step away from the office for a few minutes. Can you come up front?"

"I'll be there."

When her relief came, Tara stepped away from the front desk. She turned to Deanna. "Come with me."

***

Nothing could have prepared Jas for what she saw walking into the conference section of Aiden's office. Fourteen smiling faces clapped as she walked through the door. Her eyes trailed the room seeing poster sized images of her and Nanna cooking in the kitchen, neatly mounted to the walls. When did he take those pictures? She'd never seen him snapping anything.

At the head of the conference table was a projection on the wall with a pie box that had Apple Blossom Inn Pies. The box was black with beautiful san serif font and a big red apple. There was a clear film on the box that actually showed the pie. On the table were several boxes of apple pies. The room smelled of cinnamon and spices. Jas eyes widened. Her mouth hung open. She slowly trailed her eyes over to Aiden who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "This is what Nanna and I were doing in her room when the door was locked."

Jas snapped her mouth shut. She leaned against Aiden and burst out crying. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. "Don't cry, babe," he whispered. One of the staff handed her a tissue.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Jasmine Stone, the reason why we are all here."

Jas waved shyly. They are all here for me, wow.

Aiden led Jas to the chair next to his at the head of the table. He pulled the chair back and she slipped down into the seat. Then he opened the box that was in front of her seat. He began slicing and plating the pie. He passed it and a fork out to Jas and the fourteen team members that were in the room. "There are two boxes for each one of you here. Take one and share the other with a friend – sharing is the first rule of marketing, you know."

Then he turned to Jas, he sliced into the pie that was on her plate and fed it to her. His pulse skipped thinking how sexy she looked chewing. Her eyes were saying what his heart wanted the hear – I'll thank you when we're alone. "Like it?"

She nodded looking intensely at him. He brushed a crumb from her lips.

Aiden didn't want to tear his eyes off of her, but knew that he needed to start the meeting. He jumped when he felt her hand rub softly against his thigh under the table. His eyes darkened and lips turned up in a smile. He mouthed, "Killing me." She chuckled lightly.

Then he turned to his staff. His deep baritone voice rang out with authority. "Who has the five-year projections for The Apple Blossom Inn Pies?"

The meeting progressed. Jas was so impressed though she didn't understand a thing that was going on except the fact that they were already very deep into how to market Nanna's apple pies, making them a global success. She sat quietly watching her genius at work. She was overwhelmed by the fact that what was transpiring today would secure the financial future of the inn for generations. It appeared this was going to be a long but successful day.

Jas flipped the box over. Looking at she and Nanna's picture on the back of the box made her smile. There was a brief description of the history of the inn and credit given to she and Nanna for making the inn an Ellijay icon. Her heart was fluttering with joy. She squeezed Aiden's hand under the table and loved feeling his warm squeeze back.

***

Tara sat across from Deanna in the staff break room. She took a sip of her coffee. "Something about you makes me want to help you. I just have a feeling, but I can't risk my job for a stranger."

"Thank you. I won't endanger your job."

"There's no point in me asking who you are, is it?"

"No, just know that I mean Aiden no harm. He's someone that I lost contact with and when I found out he was in New York I came to see him."

"Are you related?"

"Yes."

Tara saw a few tears slip from under Deanna's shades. She concluded that the relationship must be very close. She looked much too old to be someone that he was married to, but she thought she'd ask to clear all doubt. "Married or ex?"

Deanna chuckled. "For heaven's sake, no."

"Aiden is sometimes very difficult to read, but I would say for the most part he's happy. What else would you like to know. I'll answer within reason."

Deanna's face brightened. There was so much that she wanted to know. God had placed this angel in her path. "Is he married or have kids."

"No."

"He was raised in the country, I'd never have thought he'd have his headquarters in a major city. New York is such a busy place."

"He has three offices around the world – Italy, England and the U.S. He's a brilliant man."

"I'm so glad that he's successful."

"Very successful. Our company is also listed as one of the best places to work in the U.S." Tara observed how the woman smile seemed to light up as she discussed Aiden. This woman was very close to him. She decided to dig to find out how far back he went in her life. "So how long have you known him?"

"Since he was a little boy."

Okay this must be grandma, mother, older sister or aunt. "Would he want to know that someone has stopped by looking for him?"

"I'd rather you not mention it to him. We didn't part on the best of terms and I'd rather see him face to face."

Tara nodded. "Well, he's hard to catch and he's all over the place so we really don't know when he'll come into the office. But your best chance of catching up to him is Wednesday's. He often comes in to our staff meetings at 3:30."

Deanna stretched her hand across the table to the tall blonde hair woman and squeezed Tara's hand. "Thank you, dear. What's your name?"

"Tara."

"Tara," she repeated setting the name to memory, "You will never know how much this means to me. I must be going now," Deanna said draining the last drops of coffee from the cup.

"You can contact me at the receptionist desk anytime. I can save you a trip from having to come to the office in the cold weather."

"Thank you."